Weight Fluctuations
Moderators: Soprano, automatedeating
Weight Fluctuations
So while I know there are many ways to handle weigh-ins, I choose to weight daily (first thing in the morning, without clothes for as much consistency as possible). I do this in part so that I can see the short term fluctuations in my weight as well as the long term trend. And its not necessarily unusual to see a gain of 0.5-1 pound in a day (which I know isn't true gain) and then to see that disappear.
However, over the last month or two, I've noticed that the weight fluctuations have dramatically increased. The overall trend has (perhaps surprisingly) stayed the same, but the large jumps in weight (both up and down) are happening more frequently and their magnitude is larger. The gains don't seem to be in response to large meals, S days, or bloating and the losses don't seem to be in response to small meals or the normal bodily functions.
As I mentioned, the overall trend is still downward, and still at the same rate - so I'm not particularly concerned. But I am curious. I don't think I've made any significant dietary changes, although with the warmer weather I think I've been getting in a little more natural movement. I suppose it could be because I weight closer to my goal weight now than I did 6 months ago?
Does anyone else have any theories on wild weight fluctuations?
However, over the last month or two, I've noticed that the weight fluctuations have dramatically increased. The overall trend has (perhaps surprisingly) stayed the same, but the large jumps in weight (both up and down) are happening more frequently and their magnitude is larger. The gains don't seem to be in response to large meals, S days, or bloating and the losses don't seem to be in response to small meals or the normal bodily functions.
As I mentioned, the overall trend is still downward, and still at the same rate - so I'm not particularly concerned. But I am curious. I don't think I've made any significant dietary changes, although with the warmer weather I think I've been getting in a little more natural movement. I suppose it could be because I weight closer to my goal weight now than I did 6 months ago?
Does anyone else have any theories on wild weight fluctuations?
Finally a diet that I can make a lifestyle!
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)
No theories, but similar experiences. Mine can fluctuate by more than a pound in a day. I can usually see a connection to the amount of salt I've eaten but it won't stop me from having some salty foods sometimes. I know it's just water. There are so many things that can affect how much water we're storing at any one time, and water is the main element in weight change. Our fat storage is much more stable. Even a 500-calorie deficit is "worth" only about two ounces of fat. Not that we're counting calories or living by the scale.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23
There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23
There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)
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- Posts: 36
- Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:17 pm
This is why I stopped weighing everyday. I just can't handle the fluctuations. I also avoid the scale during my period...talk about a shocker!
Starting Stats: April 15, 2011 ~ 35 yrs old ~ 5'2~ 165lbs ~ size 12/14
Goals
1. size 6/8
2. to wake up and go through my day without obsessing about food or weight
Goals
1. size 6/8
2. to wake up and go through my day without obsessing about food or weight
weight fluctuations
I quit weighing myself every day because of the fluctuations; however, I used to weigh daily. My weight could change by 3 lbs from one day to the next. If I wanted to have a good weigh in, I found that drinking water in the evenings reduced my weight the next morning. My theory on that is that the water flushes out all the bad stuff, but really? I have no idea, but it consistently worked.
I also figured out that the later I ate in the evening and the more I ate for the evening meal, the more I weighed the next day.
So basically evening fluctuations in habit seemed to affect the morning weight the most.
I also figured out that the later I ate in the evening and the more I ate for the evening meal, the more I weighed the next day.
So basically evening fluctuations in habit seemed to affect the morning weight the most.
The journey is the reward.
Maintenance is progress.
Maintenance is progress.
I always find it funny/interesting/ironic that some people weigh less frequently for the same reason I weight frequently - just goes to show how different our mindsets can be even when we have the same goal!
Water fluctuations make sense, except that I haven't had any change in water consumption levels that would explain why the small fluctuations have shifted to large fluctuations.
I guess I'm just a mystery
Water fluctuations make sense, except that I haven't had any change in water consumption levels that would explain why the small fluctuations have shifted to large fluctuations.
I guess I'm just a mystery
Finally a diet that I can make a lifestyle!
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)
I also stopped weighing myself every day, because in my case the reading seems to fluctuate in a +/- 3lb range. Even though I know in my head to look at the trend rather than the daily reading, it can be dispiriting to see that you've "gained" 4lb in a day or two. Somehow this is worse than the equally fake euphoria you feel when you miraculously "lose" 4lb overnight. So now I just weigh once a month (ideally three readings averaged over three consecutive days, for more accuracy).
I use the Wii Fit for a scale, so its electronic. But I have the rechargeable battery pack and I keep it plugged in and charging.Graham wrote:I'm wondering about the scales used. I weigh daily using electronic scales. I sometimes wonder if the batteries, as they age, produce quirky scale behaviour, including somewhat wilder weight fluctuations.
But that is something I hadn't considered...hmmm
Finally a diet that I can make a lifestyle!
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)
Started June 2010
6/27/2010 - 226 lbs
10/17/2010 - 203 lbs - 10% weight loss goal!
1/29/2011 - 182 lbs - 2nd 10% weight loss goal!
5/29/2011 - 165 lbs - 3rd 10% weight loss goal! (one more to go)